Silvester D’Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (MS)

Kundapur, May 27: "Buddha, Savitri Bhai Phule, and Ambedkar fought against the atrocities inflicted on Dalits and secured the right to education for those who suffered from untouchability promoted by the pro-caste propagators and Vaidika Karmatas. Today, we must follow their ideals," stated Mavalli Shankar, the state convener of Karnataka Dalit Sangharsh Samiti Bengaluru.

Shankar made these remarks at the 25th annual free notebook distribution and Pratibha Puraskar programme organized by the DSS Kota Hobali unit on Sunday at B C Hollar Sahakara Bhavan.

Continuing, Shankar emphasized, "Government schools are at the brink of closure due to corruption in the education system and the influence of private educational institutions. Nevertheless, students from oppressed sections of society studying in government schools are achieving the highest marks. Therefore, it is our duty to preserve government schools."

Anand C Kundar, promoter of the Geetha Foundation Kota Manoor, who distributed free notebooks, remarked, "We must follow the path laid by the architect of our constitution, Ambedkar, who pledged to eradicate untouchability through education and lead Dalit communities towards equality."

Manjunatha Giliyaru, lawyer and district convener of DSS, provided an overview of the achievements of the DSS Kota Hobali branch over the past 25 years and its journey in the last quarter-century in his introductory speech.

Dr K Krishna Kanchan, president of Kota C.A. Bank, presented the Pratibha Puraskara awards. Yakshagana Bhagavata Naveen Kota and Nikita, who secured admission to Dance Karnataka Dance, were honoured. Additionally, students who excelled in SSLC, PU, and degree exams received Pratibha Puraskara awards.

Numerous dignitaries, including Udupi district convener Sundar Master, district women's federation convener Geetha Suresh Kumar, and state organizing committee convener Vasanti Shivananda, were present at the event.

The programme was presided over by Nagaraja Padukare, convener of the Kota Hobali branch of DSS. Shyamsundar Thekkatte extended the welcome, and Kumar Kota, a district committee member, delivered the vote of thanks. The event was hosted by lecturers Manjunatha K S and Nagaraja Gulladi, with assistance from teacher Santhosha Kumar Padukare.